Veneers are thin shells placed on the teeth made of composite, porcelain or ceramic, with a width of 0.5 to 0.7 mm. Dental veneers are used in dental procedures, cosmetic procedures and orthodontics to correct or change the color, direction, position, shape or length of the front teeth in the upper and/or lower arch. In short, dental veneers are placed over the patient’s natural teeth, covering the visible area of normal teeth, creating a perfect smile with white and aesthetic teeth. Therefore, they are irreversible and permanent aesthetic procedures.
There are different materials such as porcelain veneers, zirconia veneers, composite veneers, etc. There are permanent and temporary veneers. Also, the material affects the aesthetics and durability of the veneers. That is why each type of veneer is better suited for different situations and needs. But without further ado, let’s get into this guide to the types of veneers.
Removable veneers are the least invasive, non-permanent, and cost less than traditional veneers. There are two types of removable veneers: instant and custom clip-on veneers.
Instant veneers are cheap cosmetic teeth. You fit them to your mouth by placing them in hot water and pressing your teeth into the soft material. They are not recommended for daily use or as a long-term dental solution.
Custom removable veneers are high-quality removable veneers. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth. The impression is then sent to a dental lab, and dental technicians make a custom set of veneers for you.
Overlay veneers or onlays are used to restore chewing teeth. However, they are overlays that are used to restore the front surface of the teeth. The causes of palatal damage to the front teeth are dental erosion, deep bite, and bruxism.
Direct veneers are thin composite overlays that are placed on the front surface of the teeth. They are also called componeers. Preparation and installation of this type of veneers is performed in one procedure: the material is applied in layers to the prepared surface directly in the oral cavity.
Ceramics (porcelain) are the most commonly used material for veneers. Ceramic veneers are tinted to match the natural colors and shades of the tooth and can last from 10 to 15 years. Ceramic materials are more practical and resist stains better than composite. The main advantage of porcelain veneers is the conservative and minimally invasive nature of the procedure. They are also biocompatible, meaning they rarely damage gum tissue and surrounding soft tissue in the mouth.
The cost of veneers depends on many factors: the country you are getting the procedure done in, the materials, where you get them (hospital, private clinic, etc.). The most expensive are E-Max zirconium veneers, as they are of the highest quality and technology and usually last a long time, being a long-term investment.
The cheapest options are resin composite veneers, but they tend to have a shorter lifespan and break very easily, requiring additional veneers in the future and additional procedures. They seem affordable in terms of initial costs, but are expensive in the long run.
In general, installing veneers involves the following steps:
Luckily, veneers do not require any more maintenance than natural teeth. You can help them last for years by following simple steps. Maintain good oral hygiene, just like you would with your teeth. Brush your teeth morning and night, and chew gum after meals.
Veneers can be broken by eating very hard foods – bones, candy, ice. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or chew hard, inedible objects. Bruxism is another problem. Bruxism, or grinding your teeth while you sleep, is a common problem that can also cause veneers to break.
